I always try and make my seams a scant 1/4". When you add the fabric fold over and thread, it equals 1/4", but for learning, it's more important to be consistent and have straight lines and when you've mastered that, you can work on the other...enjoy the process...this is your work and you should enjoy what you're doing! No quilter starts at the top...we all started somewhere and work on improving our craft over time...have fun with what you're doing!!! :)

The focus should not be on the 1/4 inch, scant or not. The focus should be on the patch size that is left after seaming and pressing.

Measure the block after seaming left and right edges. Is it correct size? If not, take "scant" smaller or larger seam, whatever is necessary. The size of the seam is relative; the size of the finished patch is not.

This, of course, is from my prospective of reading, and not actually doing. Still working on my first quilt ;-) ;-)